Masters by Research Scholarship Opportunity: Discharge planning for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children following burn injury - Safe Pathways

The George Institute is making a strong contribution to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and aims to increase our impact through a focused and coordinated approach that implements best practice processes in First Nations health research. As an organisation committed to equitable health research it is important that our Australia focused work considers how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and knowledges are considered, included and respected within the research we undertake.

TGI provides support and guidance for staff/students and stands in accordance with TGI’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Program Strategy guided by:

• Genuine engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities with research determined by community priorities
• Strong Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership
• Capacity building for the next generation of researchers in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health
• Capacity building for non-Indigenous researchers to enable collaborative approaches to conducting high quality, ethical research in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, communities and individuals
• Conducting innovative research that is driven by privileging Indigenous knowledge and worldviews

The George Institute is 700+ people around the world, all focused on improving the health of millions of people worldwide. As a medical research institute affiliated with leading universities and with projects in approximately 50 countries, we are challenging the status quo in healthcare to:

• Find better treatments for the world's biggest health problems
• Transform primary health care to support better health for more people
• Harness the power of communities, governments and markets to improve health

Our innovative commercial enterprises help maximise our impact. Please visit 'What we do' to read more about how we are addressing the world's biggest health problems.

A scholarship is now available for a suitably qualified candidate to undertake a 2-year Masters degree by research, based at The George Institute for Global Health.

The objective of this project is to work in partnership with an Aboriginal Health worker, Westmead burn unit team members and families to develop a specific patient-centred discharge and follow-up planning service. We aim to develop a model of care that will be integrated in the burns clinic and will enhance health care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their families.

This project can improve burn aftercare and reduce risk of complications such as infection and contractures through supporting the delivery of and access to high quality culturally appropriate healthcare through the development and delivery of a structured discharge plan and ongoing follow up support for child and family. This project will build evidence that is inclusive of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in order to change clinical guidelines and practices. Outcomes from the study have the potential to be transferable to other surgical interventions including better understanding of being at home as the primary outcome of research enquiry.

The successful candidate will have strong interest in health policy and research. Experience within Aboriginal health care and/or Aboriginal community liaison experience with an understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people. They will be enthusiastic, well-organised and have excellent oral and written communication skills. An ability to work autonomously and to be self-directive in learning, as well as contributing to team activities and discussions, will be necessary for the successful completion of this Masters.

Eligibility

The George Institute will accept proof of Aboriginality confirming that the incumbent applicants should:

• Be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent
• Identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, and
• Is accepted by the Aboriginal community in which they live.
• Hold an appropriate undergraduate degree in a related discipline (eg public health, health communication or health promotion)

In this position, the incumbent’s race is a genuine occupational qualification and authorised by Section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.

Award Amount

There will be a generous stipend for the successful applicant.

Application Guide

Applications should include a cover letter, current CV, copy of academic transcripts and the names and contact details of at least two referees.

Candidates are recommended to highlight in their application:

• Evidence of writing skills      
• Experiences working on health policy and research      
• Some knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods      
• Ability to work as part of a team